Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

About

Wild Carrot is a widespread perennial plant of grasslands, particularly those on chalk soils, and coastlines. In bud, the dense umbels (umbrella-like) of flowers look reddish, but they soon bloom into white flowers. These flowers can be seen from June to September, eventually turning into concave, bird's-nest-like seedheads.

How to identify

The white umbels of Wild Carrot are very densely packed and rounded. Its leaves are divided into narrow leaflets and the plant is hairy.

Where to find it

Common throughout the UK (mainly at the coast), but less so in Scotland.

Habitats

When to find it

June

July

August

September

How can people help

Areas of rare and unique wildlife, chalk grasslands have been likened to rainforest for the diversity of species they hold. But they are being lost at an alarming rate due to changes in land use causing the decline of grazing: it's estimated that we've lost 80% of our chalk grassland over the last 60 years. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland nature reserves for the benefit of the rare wildlife they hold. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from scrub-cutting to stockwatching.